The Nepali U-19 women's cricket team has achieved a historic milestone by securing their place in the ICC T20 Women's U-19 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Malaysia in 2025. Nepal clinched the qualification spot after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 8 wickets in a decisive match of the Asia Qualifiers, held in Ajman, UAE.

In a must-win encounter with a sizable margin required to advance, Nepal rose to the occasion. After winning the toss, the UAE team elected to bat first at the Seven Districts Stadium, setting a target of 84 runs for Nepal. The Nepali team reached this target comfortably, wrapping up the chase in 14.4 overs with the loss of only two wickets.

Key Performances by Nepal's Batters
Sana Praveen led the batting lineup with an impressive 35 runs, followed closely by team captain Pooja Mahato, who added a steady 21 runs to the board. Soni Pakhreen and Sabitri Dhami also contributed 13 and 12 runs, respectively, ensuring a smooth chase for the team. The UAE’s Mehek Thakur managed to claim both of Nepal’s wickets but could not slow down Nepal’s momentum.

Dominant Bowling Effort from Nepal
The Nepali bowlers displayed exceptional control, limiting the UAE team to 83 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Leading the charge was Krishma Gurung, who took four crucial wickets. Rhea Sharma and Seema KC supported with two wickets each, while Rachana Kumari Chaudhary claimed one wicket, successfully restricting the hosts to a manageable total.

Road to Qualification
Nepal’s qualification journey was marked by their consistent performances in the Asia Qualifiers, where they emerged victorious in four out of five matches. Competing alongside the hosts UAE, Thailand, and Kuwait, only one team from this group was set to advance to the World Cup. Nepal’s decisive win over UAE secured their place in the prestigious tournament, marking a new achievement for women’s cricket in Nepal.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 World Cup
The 2025 ICC T20 Women's U-19 World Cup will bring together emerging cricket talent from around the world. Nepal’s U-19 team, backed by strong individual and team performances, will represent the country on a global stage, offering a unique opportunity for these young players to gain invaluable experience and showcase their skills.